Case Western Reserve University is currently undergoing a comprehensive review for accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This university-level accreditation is essential to maintaining the high standards expected of an institution of our stature, reaffirming the quality of our educational programs and services.
About the Accreditation Process
The HLC evaluates colleges and universities to ensure they meet rigorous standards related to mission, integrity, teaching and learning, and institutional effectiveness. Accreditation is not only a validation of academic excellence but also directly impacts federal funding, student financial aid eligibility, and credit transferability.
As part of a 10-year accreditation cycle, CWRU has provided comprehensive documentation demonstrating compliance with HLC criteria in mid-March. Following review of CWRU's information, an HLC evaluation team will visit our campus to verify our evidence and engage with faculty, staff, and students.
HLC Site Visit: April 14–15, 2025
A critical step in the accreditation process is the HLC site visit, where a team of five peer reviewers will evaluate CWRU through discussions with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. While many of these meetings are by invite-only, several meetings are open to the campus community.
Open Forums (Adelbert Hall, Toepfer Room)
These forums provide an opportunity for all members of the CWRU community to engage with the review team and highlight CWRU’s strengths and challenges in specific areas. Your participation is encouraged and appreciated. Registration for the Open Forums is recommended but not required.
- Open Forum on Criteria 1 & 2: Mission & Ethics
- 📅 Monday, April 14 | 🕦 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Open Forum on Criterion 5: Planning, Infrastructure & Financial Resources
- 📅 Monday, April 14 | 🕝 1:45 – 2:45 PM
- Open Forum on Criteria 3 & 4: Teaching, Learning & Student Support
- 📅 Tuesday, April 15 | 🕘 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Drop-In Sessions (Adelbert Hall, M2)
Informal drop-in sessions will be held for all members of the CWRU community—faculty, staff, and students—to stop by, ask questions, and share their thoughts. No registration is needed—just come by at your convenience!
- Drop-In Session #1: Any Topic
- 📅 Monday, April 14 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Drop-In Session #2: Any Topic
- 📅 Tuesday, April 15 | 🕥 10:30 – 11:15 AM